I can provide some general information based on what is known about trauma and memory.
Traumatic memories can be encoded and retrieved in various ways, including in the first person (as if experiencing the trauma again) or in the third person (observing the trauma happening to someone else). Both experiences are possible and can vary from person to person.
The way traumatic memories are remembered can be influenced by several factors, such as the nature of the trauma, the individual's coping mechanisms, their dissociative responses, and the passage of time since the traumatic event occurred.
Some survivors may have vivid first-person memories, where they feel as if they are reliving the trauma, which can be distressing and retraumatizing. Others might have fragmented or dissociated memories, where they feel detached from the experience, as if watching it happen to someone else (third person). Some individuals may have a mix of both types of memories.
It's important to remember that memory is complex, and trauma can affect memory processes differently in different people. Additionally, some survivors may experience memory gaps or inconsistencies due to the way the brain processes traumatic events as a protective mechanism.
If you or someone you know is a trauma survivor and is struggling with traumatic memories, it's essential to seek support from mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and can provide appropriate therapy and coping strategies.